New CIEH noise complaint data published in the run up to Noise Action Week

Noise complaints

306,956 noise complaints were lodged during the reporting period which equates to around 840 complaints a day – a significant reduction compared to the previous data briefing in 2021, which spanned all three Covid‑19 lockdowns.

The three Local Authorities which received the largest number of noise complaints were all in London. The London Borough of Islington reported 11,141 noise complaints, the London Borough of Southwark reported 10,785 and the London Borough of Hackney reported 10,237.

In fact, seven of the top 10 councils which received the most noise complaints during the reporting period were London boroughs. The only other authorities in the top 10 were Manchester (5th – 9,336 complaints), Birmingham (7th - 6,654 complaints) and Leeds (9th – 5,406).

Enforcement activity

The data also shows a decline in enforcement activity by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs). Only 2,282 abatement notices were issued in the reporting period, a drop of over 72% on the figures from the equivalent period 20 years ago.

However, in addition to their enforcement duties, EHPs assessed 27,346 planning applications relating to new development, including dwellings, to check that the appropriate noise management measures were in place to protect the health and quality of life of their residents.

During the reporting period, 190 prosecutions were brought forward. This marks a substantial decrease from the 656 prosecutions recorded in 2004/2005 – a drop of 71% over two decades.

Similarly, there were 93 seizures of noisy equipment such as amplified music equipment in 2024/2025, compared with 439 in 2004/2005, representing a 79% reduction.

Emerging trends

Shifts in technology and lifestyle are also reflected in the findings. Councils recorded 103 complaints about Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), with the majority arising in the South East. There were also 17 complaints concerning wind turbines and 326 complaints linked to properties operating as holiday lets (e.g. Airbnb’s).

Looking ahead to Noise Action Week

As Noise Action Week approaches (11–15 May 2026), these findings highlight both encouraging progress and ongoing challenges in managing environmental noise. While the reduction in complaints and enforcement activity may suggest improvements in some areas, it also raises important questions about reporting, resourcing, and changing patterns of noise exposure. The overall scale remains substantial, with hundreds of thousands of complaints still recorded each year. The emergence of newer sources such as air source heat pumps and short-term holiday lets reflects how modern lifestyles are reshaping the noise landscape. Noise Action Week provides a timely opportunity to highlight the continued impact of noise on public health and wellbeing, promote best practice in noise management, and reinforce the need for effective local action.

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Professor Stephen Dance, Professor of Acoustics at the School of Engineering and Design, College of Technology and Environment, London South Bank University said:

“Noise is an often overlooked and unseen pollutant, typically created as a by-product of industrial activity or simply from music that isn’t to your taste. Generally, the faster or more intensive the activity, the more noise it can generate.

“With most people now living in towns and cities, being a considerate neighbour has never been more important. During the COVID lockdowns we were all neighbours, all the time, and we saw this clearly as noise concerns and complaints increased, as this data gathered by CIEH highlights.

“EHPs are on the frontline when issues arise. So, as life has returned to normal, I would encourage everyone to be mindful, respectful, and aware of the impact they can have on those around them, and if you are being negatively impacted by a noise issue, get in touch with your local environmental health team.”

Image credit: suriya @ Adobe Stock